Semroc SLS Lil' Augie Build
 

I haven't done a build thread in a very long time due to career responsibilities, but I think I have time to squeeze in something extra special: the newly released, Semroc Large Size Lil' Augie #KA-38.

Randy Boadway himself told me about the advent of this kit when I visited eRockets last month. Now the kit is available.

Hmm, the name itself, (Semroc Large Size Lil' Augie) is kind of an oxymoron--sort of like "jumbo shrimp", "military intelligence", "terribly pleased", or "accordion music" (et. al.)

Anyway, it should be fun!

TBC

All parts are present and accounted for. The pre-cut adhesive foil heat shields are a nice touch--as are the heavy walled body tubes!

TBC

Going to HAVE to get one of these !
Been waiting for an interesting kit that uses 29mm Estes F15 booster engines.

Then you should order soon. I believe it's a limited run.

I'll continue the build after I return from Houston, TX (a.k.a. "The Furnace".)

TBC

It's more of a steam or pressure cooker with all that humidity. :eek:



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Leaving Houston!!
 

I'm finally leaving Houston (a.k.a. "The Reactor"). I must have sweated off 10 pounds fixing machinery in that metal fab and weld shop!

The heat and humidity was reminiscent of southern India--but with (just slightly) better drivers.

TBC

I built the Augie II in 1966, and this is really an upscale of the Augie II, and not the Lil Augie (both are Estes DOMS). But it's a minor point -- makes more sense to call your first Augie a Lil Augie than an Augie II. :)

That thing is going outta sight on an F-to-F flight. (eRockets web info says 2800 feet). I did my first Estes F15 flight in a Star Orbiter at NSL, and it had to go over 1600 feet. Bernard Cawley was doing the cumulative altitude competition (Sierra Blanca Challenge, I think was the name), and he was getting north of 1600 feet with same rocket/motor combo.

My Augie II is the yellow and black rocket in this cropped slide from 1966. Really a fun rocket to fly. I've had plans drawn for a D12-to-D12 version, but a 29mm upscale is a perfect way to try out some F15-0 motors.

Cool slide. I love vintage pictures like that.

You might like these ... from the same roll of slide film. Two pictures from my visit to Estes Industries in March 1966. My buddies standing outside in front of rocket. And the nice OP ladies who filled my order. The V-2 in the other picture was ordered during this visit.

To Lee's point about going out of sight (and off the site!) F to F, what is the diameter of the upper portion which contains the parachute on this? Randy doesn't seem to post the instruction manuals like Carl used to, so I can't just look it up myself.

I'm wondering if a Chute Release would fit (BT-60 or bigger is needed for a comfortable fit). I was averaging 1600 feet at Alamogordo with the Star Orbiter on F15-8s, carrying an AltimeterThree and a Chute Release. At sea level I get about 100 feet less.

This is a cool design and I have one in my eRockets shopping cart now....as if I need another project.